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CON^STITUTION. 


STAKDmG  ORDERS,  AND  RESOLUTION'S  J 


GRAND     LODGE, 


§,iuinit  J^r^^  aitir  Jtrtpt^ir  Slasoits, 


TERRITORY  OF  OREGON, 


CODE  OF  BY-LAAVS  FOR  SUBORDINATE  LODGES,  ETC.,  ETC. 


PnbllsUed  by  Order  of  the  Grand  Iiodge. 


NEW    YORK: 

WILT.LUI  IT.  MII.XOR,  AMERICAN  MASONIC  AGENCY,  384  BROADWAY. 
18  5  7. 


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CONSTITUTION, 

STANDING  ORDERS,  AND  RESOLUTIONS 

OF  THE 

GRAND     LODGE, 

OF 

OF  THE 

TERRITORY  OF  OREGON, 

WITH 

CODE  OF  BY-LAWS  FOR  SUBORDINATE  LODGES,  ETC.,  ETC. 


Piibllslied  l>y  Order  of  the  Orand  liodge. 


NEW    YORK: 

WILLIAM  H.  MILNOR,  AMERICAN  MASONIC  AGENCY,  384  BROADWAY. 
1857. 


Constitution 

OF  THE 

OF 
ANCIENT    FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS 

OF  THE  TERRITORY   OF  OREGON. 


Adopted  at  a  Convention,  held  at  Oregon  City,   September  15,   A.D.    1851,  A.L.    5851. 


AKTICLE  I. 


STYLE  AND  TITLE. 


The  style  and  title  of  this  Grand  Lodge  shall  be,  "  The  Grand  Lodge 
OF  Ancient,  Free,  and  Accepted  Masons  of  the  Territory  of  Oregon." 

ARTICLE  11. 

RANK  AND  TITLE  OF  OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS. 

The  Grand  Lodge  shall  consist  of  a 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  ^ 

Right  Worshipful  Deputy  Grand  Master, 
"     Right  Worshipful  Senior  Grand  Warden, 
Right  Worshipful  Junior  Grand  Warden, 
Right  Worshipful  Grand  Secretary, 
Right  W^orshipful  Grand  Treasurer, 
Right  Worshipful  Grand  Chaplain, 
Grand  Marshal, 
Grand  Standard  Bearer, 
Grand  Sword  Bearer, 
Grand  Senior  Deacon, 
Grand  Junior  Deacon, 
Two  Grand  Stewards, 
Grand  Tyler, 


ViiA);iM. 


And  such  other  Grand  Officers  as  the  Grand  Lodge,  from  time  to  time,  may 
appoint ; 

Most  Worshipful  Past  Grand  Masters, 
Right  Worshipful  Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters, 
Right  Worshipful  Past  Grand  Wardens,  ' 
Right  Worshipful  Past  Grand  Secretaries, 
Right  Worshipful  Past  Grand  Treasurers, 
Together  with  the  AVorshipful  Masters  and  Wardens,  for  the  time  being,  of 
the  several  chartered  and  constituted  Lodges  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  or  their  legally  appointed  proxies,  and  the  Past  Masters,  mem- 
bers of  Lodges  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  III. 

MEETINGS  OP  THE  GRAND  LODGE. 

Section  1.  The  Regular  Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  held 
in  Oregon  City,  or  at  such  place  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  hereafter  designate,  ^ 
on  the  second  Monday  in  June,  annually. 

Sec.  2.  The  Grand  Master  (or  in  his  absence  from  the  Territory,  or  inabil- 
ity to  attend,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master),  at  his  own  discretion,  or  upon  the 
application  of  the  presiding  officers  of  any  two  subordinate  Lodges  under  this 
jurisdiction,  shall  call  special  meetings  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  lY. 

election  of  grand  officers. 

Sec.  1.  The  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  Right  Worshipful  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  Right  Worshipful  Senior  and  Junior  Grand  Wardens,  Right 
Worshipful  Grand  Secretary,  and  Right  Worshipful  Grand  Treasurer,  shall 
be  elected  by  ballot  at  the  Regular  Communications,  and  shall  hold  their  of- 
fices until  their  successors  are  duly  elected  and  installed.  A  majority  of  the 
votes  cast  at  an  election  for  Grand  Officers,  shall  be  necessary  for  a  choice. 
All  other  Grand  Officers  shall  be  appointed  in  such  manner  as  the  Lodge  may 
direct. 

Sec.  2.  No  Brother  shall  be  eligible  to  an  Elective  Office,  unless  he  i^ 
a  Present  or  Past  Master,  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  under  this  juris- 
diction. 

ARTICLE  Y. 


Sec  1.  Each  of  the  Grand  Officers,  for  the  time  being,  except  the  Grand 
Tyler,  and  every  Elective  Past  Gmnd  Officer,  when  present  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  vote  ;  each  Lodge  shall  be  entitled  to  three 
votes,  by  its  proper  officers,  or,  in  their  absence,  their  representatives ;  and 


Past  Masters,  not  otherwise  entitled  to  vote,  shall  be  entitled,  collectively, 
to  one  vote.  No  member,  in  his  own  right,  shall  be  entitled  to  more  than  one 
vote. 

Sec.  2.  In  all  questions,  excepting  those  decided  by  ballot,  in  case  of  a  tie 
the  presiding  officer  shall  have  the  casting  vote. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

STANDING  COMMITTEES. 

At  each  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand  Master, 
or  presiding  officer,  shall  appoint  the  following  standing  committees,  each  to 
consist  of  not  less  than  three,  nor  more  than  five  members,  namely : 

A  Committee  on  Credentials ; 

A  Committee  on  Greivance,  who  shall  be  Past  Masters ; 

A  Committee  on  Finance  and  Accounts ; 

A  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

ARTICLE  YII. 

GRAND  OFFICERS. 

Sec.  1.  The  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  or  Right  Worshipful  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  may,  either  of  them,  upon  the  petition  of  seven  or  more  Mas- 
ter Masons,  properly  recommended  by  the  nearest,  or  most  convenient  Lodge 
of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  working  under  a  Charter,  grant 
Dispensations  to  form  new  Lodges  within  the  limits  of  this  jurisdiction,  or 
where  no  Grand  Lodge  exists  ;  which  Dispensation  shall  be  returnable  at  the 
next  Regular  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  wdien  the  Grand  Lodge 
may  order  a  perpetual  Charter,  or  continue  the  Dispensation  until  the  next 
succeeding  regular  communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  On  the  first  day  of  the  regular  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
or  as  soon  thereafter  as  possible,  the  Grand  Master  shall  lay  before  the  Grand 
Lodge  a  written  message  ;  therein  detailing  an  account  of  his  official  acts  du- 
ring the  recess  ;  and  the  state  and  condition  of  Masonry  in  his  jurisdiction ; 
and  shall  recommend  to  the  Grand  Lodge  such  measures  as  he  m.ay  deem  ex- 
pedient and  necessary. 

Sec.  3.  The  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall  also  report  in  writing,  at  every  an- 
nual meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  all  his  acts  and  doings  relating  to  his  office, 
dm'ing  the  recess. 

Sec.  4.  The  Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Tyler  shall  receive  such  compen- 
sation for  their  services  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may,  from  time  to  time,  deter- 
mine. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Secretary  to  pay  over  to  the  Grand 
Treasurer  all  moneys  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  each  reg- 
ular Communication,  and  quarterly,  during  the  recess  thereof ;  and  render  an 
account  of  the  same  at  each  annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


6 

Sec.  6.  The  Grand  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  money  from  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge — keep  a  correct  record  thereof,  and  at 
each  annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall  render  an  account  of  his 
receipts  and  disbursements ;  but  no  disbursements  shall  be  made  by  him  with- 
out an  order  from  the  Grand  Lodge,  signed  by  the  Presiding  officer  and  Grand 
Secretary. 

vSec.  7.  The  Grand  Treasurer  elect,  prior  to  his  installation,  shall  execute  to 
the  Grand  Master,  for  the  time  being,  to  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  a  Bond, 
with  security,  and  for  such  sum  as  the  Grand  Master  may  approve,  condition- 
ed for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties. 

Sec.  8.  All  other  Grand  officers  receiving  funds  belonging  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  shall  immediately  transmit  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary. 

ARTICLE  YIII. 

POWERS  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE. 

Sec.  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  charters  for  new  Lodges,  to  be  located 
within  the  limits  of  its  jurisdiction,  to  a  competent  number  of  worthy  Breth- 
ren, applying  therefor  :  Provided,  that  no  new  Lodge  shall  be  established  by 
Dispensation,  or  otherwise,  excepting  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Lodge 
nearest,  or  most  convenient  to  the  place  of  the  location  of  the  proposed  new 
Lodge  ;  Provided  further,  that  in  case  there  are  two  or  more  Lodges  in  the 
same  toTvn  or  place,  nearest,  or  most  convenient  to  said  proposed  location,  the 
recommendation  of  any  one  of  them  shall  be  deemed  sufficient. 

Sec.  2.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  full  and  complete  appellant  and  correct- 
ive powers,  in  all  cases,  relative  to  the  Fraternity,  within  its  jurisdiction.  It 
shall  have  power  to  assess  upon  its  subordinate  Lodges,  such  contributions, 
from  time  to  time,  as  the  good  of  the  Craft  may  require. 

ARTICLE  IX. 


Sec.  1.  The  fee  for  instituting  a  subordinate  Lodge,  shall  be  seventy-five 
dollars — fifty  dollars  of  which  shall  be  paid  on  the  issuing  of  the  Dispensation, 
and  twenty-five  when  a  Charter  shall  have  been  granted  ;  but  upon  the  issuing 
of  a  Charter,  in  a  case  where  no  previous  Dispensation  shall  have  been  granted, 
the  whole  amount  of  seventy-five  dollars  shall  be  required.  And  every  Lodge, 
upon  receipt  of  its  charter,  shall  pay  the  Grand  Secretary  the  sum  of  ten  dol- 
lars, for  engrossing  the  same,  and  affixing  thereto  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
_  Sec.  2.  Each  Lodge  shall  pay  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 
sum  of  one  dollar,  for  every  Degree  conferred  upon  candidates  ;  the  sum  of  one 
dollar  for  every  affiliating  member ;  and  one  dollar,  annually,  for  each  con- 
tributing member. 

Sec.  3.  There  shall  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  for  the 
use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  two  dollars,  by  the  applicant,  for  every  Diploma, 


granted  to  a  member  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  ;  but  no  Diploma  shall  issue  ex- 
cept upon  the  presentation  of  a  certificate  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  of 
which  the  applicant  is  a  member,  of  his  good  and  regular  standing  therein. 
Such  Diploma,  when  issued,  shall  be  signed  by  the  Grand  Master,  or  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  and  countersigned  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  also 
affix  thereto  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  4.  For  all  and  every  copy  of  any  portion  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  or  of  any  document  in  his  possession,  proper  to  be  published, 
which  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  required  to  make,  he  shall  demand  and  re- 
ceive, for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  fifty  cents  for  every  one  hundred  words. 

AETICLE  X. 

SUBORDINATE   LODGES. 

Sec.  1.  Every  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  elect  its  officers  annually  by  ballot, 
by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  its  members  present,  at  the  stated  meeting  next 
preceding  the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist ;  and  they  shall  be  in- 
stalled on  the  evening  of  their  election,  or  at  such  time  as  then  ordered  by  the 
Lodge,  and  they  shall  retain  their  respective  offices  until  their  successors  in 
office  shall  he  elected  and  duly  installed. 

Sec.  2.  Each  subordinate  Lodge  shall  have  the  right  to  adopt  By-Laws  for 
its  own  government,  which  shall  be  submitted  for  the  approval  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  at  its  regular  communication,  next  ensuing  their  adoption  ;  and  if  ap- 
proved, no  amendment  thereto  shall  be  valid  until  it  shall  have  received  the 
sanction  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  Each  subordinate  Lodge  shall  assemble  for  work  at  least  once  in  every 
calendar  month,  and  if  any  Lodge  shall  fail  to  meet  for  six  successive  months, 
it  shall  forfeit  its  charter. 

Sec.  4.  All  the  proceedings,  ballotiugs,  and  business  of  the  Lodge,  except 
that  of  conferring  the  subordinate  degrees,  shall  be  had  and  done  in  a  Lodge  of 
Master  Masons. 

Sec.  5.  No  Lodge  shall  confer  the  three  degrees  in  Masonry,  for  less  than 
thirty  dollars ;  and  the  fee  for  each  degree  as  may  be  regulated  by  the  Lodge, 
shall  be  paid  invariably  in  advance. 

Sec  6.  All  applications  for  initiation  or  membership,  shall  be  made  in  writ- 
ing, at  a  stated  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  but  shall  not  be  acted  upon  until  after 
the  expiration  of  four  weeks ;  nor  shall  there  be  conferred  more  than  one  de- 
gree upon  the  same  candidate  at  any  one  meeting  of  the  Lodge  ;  and  no  Lodge 
shall  confer  the  degrees  upon  more  than  five  candidates  at  one  meeting,  except 
by  special  dispensation  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  or  the  Eight 
Worshipful  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every.  Lodge,  working  under  a  dispensation, 
on  an  application  for  an  extension  of  such  dispensation  or  for  a  Charter,  to 
submit  its  book  of  records  for  the  inspection  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


8 

Sec.  8.  Each  Lodge  shall  be  represented  in  every  annual  Communication  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  when  it  shall  also  furnish  a  correct  account  of  its  proceed- 
ings during  the  past  year,  in  a  form  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
make  payment  of  its  regular  dues  ;  and  in  case  of  the  non-performance  of  these 
duties  for  two  regular  Communications,  its  Charter  may  be  declared  forfeit. 

Sec.  9.  It  is  not  competent  for  any  Lodge  to  suspend  or  expel  a  member 
from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  for  the  non-payment  of  dues  ; 
but  any  member  who  shall  have  neglected  to  make  payment  of  his  dues  for  the 
space  of  one  year,  except  in  case  of  protracted  illness,  or  absence  from  the 
Territory,  may  be  summoned  to  appear  before  the  Lodge,  to  show  cause  why 
his  name  should  not  be  stricken  from  the  roll  of  members.  And  any  Mason, 
whose  name  shall  be  stricken  from  the  roll,  shall  not  be  received  as  a  member 
of  any  other  Lodge  until  he  shall  have  paid  up  all  arrearages  to  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  was  a  member  ;  and  in  case  of  non-existence  of  said  Lodge,  to  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  10.  All  complaints  and  charges  brought  against  a  Brother  before  a 
Lodge,  proper  to  be  written,  shall  be  reduced  to  writing,  and  filed  with  the 
Secretary — a  copy  of  which  shall  be  served  upon  the  accused,  at  least  ten  days 
before  he  is  arraigned  for  trial ;  and  after  trial  had,  should  the  accused  be  sus- 
pended, or  expelled  from  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  Lodge  to  report  the  fact  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  at  its  next  regular 
Communication. 

Sec.  11.  In  all  cases  of  suspension  or  expulsion  by  a  subordinate  Lodge,  the 
right  of  appeal  lies  to  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  and  no  suspension  or  expulsion  shall 
be  published  until  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  cognizance  thereof.  The  Grand 
Lodge  shall  prescribe  rules  and  regulations  for  the  trial  of  appeals. 

Sec.  12.  No  appeal  from  any  decision  of  the  Master  of  a  Lodge,  shall  be 
taken  to  the  body  of  the  Lodge,  nor  shall  any  charge  be  entertained  against 
him  by  his  Lodge,  during  his  term  of  office  ;  but  he  shall  be  amenable  for  his 
conduct  to  the  Grand  Lodge  only. 

Sec.  13.  No  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft  Mason  shall  be  advanced  to 
a  superior  degree  in  any  Lodge  except  that  in  which  he  received  the  previous 
degree,  unless  by  the  consent,  in  writing,  of  that  Lodge. 

Sec.  14.  On  the  rejection  of  any  application  for  initiation  or  membership  by 
any  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  the  Secretary  of  said 
Lodge  shall  forthwith  notify  all  the  Lodges  in  said  jurisdiction  thereof,  and  no 
Lodge  shall  be  allowed  his  petition  short  of  one  year  from  such  rejection. 

ARTICLE  XL 

miscellaneous. 

Sec.  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  as  early  as  practicable 
after  each  annual  communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  cause  to  be  published, 
in  pamphlet  form,  all  such  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  as 
are  proper  to  be  published — appended  to  which,  he  shall  also  publish  all  stand- 


ing  rules  and  orders  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  together  with  a  list  of  officers  and 
members  of  each  subordinate  Lodge,  according  to  the  last  previous  returns  : 
"  the  times  of  the  stated  meetings  of  said  Lodges,  and  the  places  where  they  are 
respectively  located  ;  copies  of  which  publications  shall  be  forwarded  to  each 
Grand  Officer,  and  to  each  subordinate  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction,  and  to 
each  of  the  Grand  Lodges  in  the  United  States. 

Sec.  2.  In  case  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Charter,  or  the  dissolution,  from  any 
cause  whatever,  of  a  Lodge,  all  its  books,  papers,  jewels,  funds,  and  other 
property,  shall  be  forthwith  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Sec.  3.  When  a  Dispensation  shall  issue  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge,  the  of- 
i  ficers  therein  mentioned  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until  the  time  of  the 
\expiration  of  the  Dispensation ;  and  upon  the  issuing  of  a  Charter,  it  shall  be 
yie  duty  of  the  Grand  Master,  or  Deputy  Grand  Master,  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
kipon  notice  that  the  Brethren  desire  to  have  the  Lodge  consecrated),  to  con- 
vene said  Brethren,  at  such  time  as  may  best  suit  his  and  their  convenience  ;  and 
v^en  so  convened,  to  hold  an  election  of  officers ;  whereupon,  he  shall  proceed 
to\  consecrate  said  Lodge,  and  install  such  officers,  according  to  the  ancient 
regulations  and  usages  of  the  craft. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  competent  for  the  Grand  Lodge  to  adopt  such  other  rules 
and  regulations  as  it  may  deem  necessary,  not  inconsistent  with  this  Constitu- 
tion; and  the  ancient  rules  and  regulations  of  Free  Masonry. 

I  ARTICLE  XII. 

'  AMENDMENTS  AND   ALTERATIONS. 

Any  proposed  amendment  or  alteration  to  this  Constitution  may  be  pre- 
sented, in  writing,  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  at  an  annual  Communication,  by  the 
representatives  of  three  subordinate  Lodges  ;  and,  if  sanctioned  by  a  majority 
of  the  members  present,  shall  be  published  with  the  minutes,  as  a  subject  for 
future  action ;  and  upon  its  adoption  at  the  next  regular  Communication  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  the  same  shall 
become  a  part  of  this  Constitution. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

DEFINITIONS. 

The  stated  meetings  of  subordinate  Lodges,  referred  to  in  this  Constitution 
shall  not  be  construed  to  mean  any  other  than  the  meetings  specified  in  the 
By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  ;  and  no  adjourned  or  called  meeting  shall  be  consider- 
ed to  be  a  part  of  said  stated  meeting. 


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OF  THE 

TERRITORY   OF   OREGON. 


Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Secretary  hereafter  cause  to  be  printed  and  appended 
to  the  published  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  at  each  annual 
Communication,  all  the  standing  orders  and  resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  ; 
and  when  any  one  shall  be  repealed,  the  order  and  resolution  so  repealed  shall 
be  omitted  in  the  printed  list.  The  list  to  be  headed,  "  Standing  Orders  and 
Resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Territory  of  Oregon." — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Secretary,  after  each  annual  communication,  commu- 
nicate to  the  Grand  Lodges  in  Correspondence  with  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  the 
Subordinate  Lodges  under  this  jurisdiction,  the  names  of  the  Grand  officers  elect, 
accompanying  the  same  with  their  signatures  written  with  their  own  proper 
hand,  and  duly  authenticated  under  the  seal  of  this  Grand  Lodge. — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That,  at  any  session  of  this  M.  W.  Grand  Lodge,  it  shall  be  requisite 
for  any  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  who  may  wish  to  withdraw  before  the  close 
of  the  session,  to  first  obtain  leave  of  absence  from  the  Grand  Lodge. — June,  1853. 

Resolved,  That  Subordinate  Lodges  under  this  jurisdiction  shall  produce  their 
original  records  of  proceedings,  or  certified  copies  thereof,  at  each  annual  Com 
munieation  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  in  procuring  the  printing  for  this  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand 
Secretary  be  instructed  to  discriminate  in  favor  of  the  lowest  and  best  rates  at 
which  the  same  may  be  obtained. — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That  no  petition  shall  be  received  from  any  candidate  for  initiation, 
until  he  shall  have  resided  one  year  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
— June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  any  Brother  of  a  Subordin- 
the  Lodge  has  a  right  to  cast  a  black  ball  upon  an  application  in  his  Lodge  for 
aiuj  of  the  degrees,  without  subjecting  his  motives  or  reasons  to  be  called  in  ques- 
tion by  the  Lodge  or  a  Brother. — June,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  an  applicant  whose  petition  for  advancement  has  been  rejected, 
shall  not  be  entitled  to  renew  his  petition  in  less  than  six  months. — June,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  it  is  not  sufficient  that  the 
Committee  to  investigate  the  character  and  qualifications  of  a  petitioner  for  the 
mysteries  of  Masonry,  that  they  find  nothing  against  him,  but  must  state  what  his 
standing  and  qualifications  are. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  no  applicant  for  advancement  shall  be  allowed  to  receive  the 
degrees  applied  for  until  he  shall  have  been  examined  in  open  Lodge,  and  prove 
himself  a  proficient  in  the  work  and  lectures  of  the  preceding  degree. — June, 
1857. 

Resolved,  That  this  Grand  Lodge  disapprove  of  the  practice  of  holding  mem- 
bership in  more  than  one  Lodge  at  the  same  time. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  that  a  member  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  who  joins  in  a  petition  to  form  a  new  Lodge,  cease  to  be  a  mem- 
ber of  the  old  Lodge,  when  a  charter  is  granted  to  the  new. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  no  Master  Mason  can  with- 
draw his  membership  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  unless  he  be  about  to  remove 
from  the  jurisdiction  thereof — or  for  the  purpose  of  joining  another  Lodge,  and  in 
such  case  he  may  demit,  upon  payment  of  his  dues,  provided  there  be  no  charges 
against  him. — June,  1854. 


12 

Resolved,  That  any  non-affiliated  Master  Mason  who  shall  have  resided  more 
than  six  months  in  the  vicinity  of  a  Lodge  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand 
Lodge,  and  who  shall  refuse  to  contribute  the  usual  fees  and  contributions  re- 
quired by  the  By-Laws  of  said  Lodge  from  its  members,  shall  be  denied  the  right 
of  visiting  any  Lodge,  or  to  enjoy  any  of  the  rights  appertaining  to  membership 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction. — Jmie,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  the  Suboixiinate  Lodges  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  be  instructed  to  receive  the  ''  Ancient  Charges  and  Ancient  Regulations,^' 
collected  from  old  manuscripts  of  Brother  James  Anderson,  and  printed,  by  order 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  England,  in  1722,  as  the  only  true  and  authenticated  copy 
thereof. — June,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  no  Subordinate  Lodge  has  right  to  draw  from  the  Lodge  funds, 
or  make  assessments  upon  members  for  any  purpose,  except  such  as  are  of  a 
purely  charitable  nature,  nor  will  this  Grand  Lodge  countenance  any  such  ex^ 
penditures  or  assessments  by  the  Subordinate  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction,  or  aid 
in  enforcing  any  orders  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  for  any  but  purely  legitimate 
purposes. — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That  each  Subordinate  Lodge  is  expected  to  reimburse  the  Grand 
Lecturer,  whose  services  are  received  for  the  expenses  incurred  in  passing  to  and 
from,  and  while  in  attendance  upon  such  Subordinate  Lodge ;  but  it  shall  not  be 
expected  that  Grand  Lectm-ers  lecture  the  Subordinate  Lodges  more  than  once 
annually,  except  at  the  request  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  the  W.  Masters  of  Subordinate  Lodges  be  requested  to  solicit 
feujjscriptions  from  all  Masons  in  their  jurisdiction  in  aid  of  the  Washington  Mon- 
ument Association — when  collected  to  be  forwarded  to  M.  W.  G.  M.,  to  be  by  him 
remitted  to  the  proper  officers  of  said  Association,  in  the  name  of  this  Grand 
Lodge. — June,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  intemperance  in  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  is  an  infraction 
of  Masonic  obligation,  and  is  a  good  and  legitimate  cause  for  discipline,  and 
should  be  punished  as  other  offenses. — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  any  member  under  this 
jurisdiction  who  is  now.  or  may  be  hereafter,  engaged  in  the  retail  sale  and 
traffic  of  intoxicating  liquors,  shall  be  liable  to  strict  Masonic  discipline.  And 
it  shall  be  made  the  imperative  duty  of  the  W.  M.  of  each  Subordinate  Lodge 
under  this  jurisdiction  to  present  to  his  Lodge  every  Brother  culpable  in  this 
particular,  and,  if  found  guilty,  cause  him  to  receive  such  punishment  as  is  usu- 
ally inflicted  on  members  for  violating  the  edict  in  regard  to  its  use. — June,  1857. 

Resolved,  That  the  W.  Masters  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges  be  requested  to  open 
subscriptions  in  their  several  jurisdictions,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  sum  of 
money  to  be  used  under  the  direction  of  the  M.  W.  Grand  Lodge  as  a  permanent 
fund  for  Educational  purposes. 

Resolved,  That  every  Master  Mason  within  this  jurisdiction,  be  and  is  hereby 
earnestly  requested  to  contribute  a  sum  not  exceeding  Five  Dollars,  for  the  pur- 
pose set  forth  in  the  above  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  feeling  an  interest  in  the  subject  of  Education,  be 
and  are  hereby  requested  to  aid  us  in  our  efforts  to'  establish  an  Institution  of 
Learning. — June,  1854. 

Resolved,  That  the  Worshipful  Masters  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges  the  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  be,  and  they  are  hereby  requested  to  continue  their 
efforts  to  obtain  contributions  to  the  Educational  Fund  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
this  Territory.  And  all  Masons  within  this  jurisdiction  are  hereby  earnestly  re- 
quested to  contribute  toward  this  object.  The  amount  contributed  to  be  paid 
over  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Education. — June,  1855. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  each  Subordinate  Lodge  under  the  juris- 
diction of  this  Grand  Lodge  now  existing,  or  hereafter  to  be  established,  to  pro- 
cure and  possess  for  the  use  of  the  officers  and  members  thereof,  a  copy  of  the 
"  Universal  Masonic  Library,"  compiled  and  published  by  Bro.  Robert  Morris,  of 
Kentucky.  And  that  each  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges  filing  with  the  Grand 
Secretary  a  certificate  that  said  Library  has  been  procured,  shall  be  annually 
credited  and  allowed  ten  per  cent,  of  the  amount  of  its  annual  dues  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  until  the  whole  expense  thereby  incurred  shall  have  been  reimbursed  to 
puch  Subordinate  Lodge. 


13 

Resolved,  that  the  subordinate  Lodges  under  this  jurisdiction  be,  and  they 
are  hereby  recommended  to  adopt  the  following  code  of  By-Laws,  filling  the 
blanks  at  their  own  discretion. 

BY-LAWS 

OF 

Lodge,  No 

FREE  AND  ACCEPTED  MASONS, 

HELD  IN 


ARTICLE  I. 

The  officers  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  elected  annually  by  ballot,  at  the  next 
regular  meeting  preceding  the  Anniversary  of  St.  Jolin  the  Evangelist,  and  a 
majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  shall  be  necessary  for  an  election. 

ARTICLE  IT. 

The  regular  meetings  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  held  on  the 

,  the  hour  of  meetino:  shall  be 


ARTICLE  III. 

All  applications  for  initiation  or  membership  shall  be  made  in  writing, 
signed  by  the  petitioner,  specifying  his  age,  his  residence,  and  occupation,  and 
be  recommended  by  two  members  of  the  Lodge.  They  shall  be  presented  at  a 
regular  meeting,  and  be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  three  members  for  inquiry 
and  report,  and  lie  over  until  the  next  regular  meeting :  provided,  that  no 
candidate  shall  be  balloted  for  unless  his  petition  shall  have  been  referred  four 
weeks. 

ARTICLE  lY. 

The  fee  for  conferring  the  degrees  shall  be dollars  for  the  first, 

dollars  for  the  second,  and dollars  for  the  third 

degree,  a  unanimous  vote  must  be  had  in  favor  of  the  applicant  for  initiation 
or  for  membership,  and  in  no  case  shall  a  ballot  be  taken  until  the  money 
required  for  the  fee  shall  be  in  actual  deposit. 

ARTICLE  Y. 

After  a  petition  has  been  received,  and  noted  upon  the  minutes  it  shall  not 
be  withdrawn  without  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  members  present.  In  no 
ease  shall  more  than  a  second  ballot  be  had  to  correct  real  or  supposed  mis- 
takes. 

ARTICLE  YI. 

Every  candidate  for  passing  or  raising,  shall,  before  the  degree  is  conferred, 
be  examined  in  open  Lodge,  and  shall  be  found  to  possess  a  competent  know- 
ledge of  the  preceding  degree. 


14 

ARTICLE  YII. 

Each  member  shall  pay  quarterly  the  sum  of into  the  fund  of 

the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  YIII. 

All  applications  for  demits  shall  be  made  in  writing. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Any  member  in  good  standing  (not  in  arrears  for  dues)  shall  be  entitled  to 

a  diploma,  on  proper  application,  and  paying  the  Secretary 

tor  the  use  of  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  X. 

The  name  of  any  member  who  may  be  in  arrears  for  one  year's  dues  may  be 
stricken  from  the  roll  of  members. 

ARTICLE  XL 

The  Master  and  Wardens  shall  be  ex-officio  a  Committee  of  Charity,  and 
shall  have  power,  during  recess  of  the  Lodge,  to  draw  orders  on  the  treasury 
for  any  sum  not  exceeding dollars,'  for  the  relief  of  any  one  applicant. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

Xo  Brother  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled  for  any  unmasonic  conduct,  of 
any  description  whatever,  unless  it  be  upon  written  charges  and  specifications, 
made  out  and  filed  with  the  Secretary,  who  shall  furnish  the  accused  Brother 
a  copy  thereof  (if  of  a  nature  to  be  reduced  to  writing,)  at  least  ten  days  prior 
to  the  trial,  with  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  trial.  It  is  the  privilege  of 
the  accused,  to  take  any  proof  or  testimony  to  be  used  in  evidence  that  he  may 
desire,  upon  giving  three  days  notice  to  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  ;  and,  in  all 
cases,  when  the  hearing  comes  on,  the  whole  testimony  shall  be  reduced  to 
writing,  if  proper  to  be  written,  and  be  carefully  preserved  by  the  Secretary 
of  the  Lodge,  provided,  that  when  a  Brother,  charged  as  aforesaid,  shall  ab- 
scond, proceedings  may  be  had  in  his  absence,  without  notice. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

Any  Brother  feeling  himself  aggrieved  by  the  decision  of  the  Lodge,  pro- 
nounced against  him,  may,  at  any  time  within  one  year  thereafter,  take  an  ap- 
peal to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and,  on  his  application,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Secretary  to  make  out  and  forward  to  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certified  copy  of 
the  proceedings  had  in  that  case,  with  the  original  testimony,  so  far  as  the 
same  shall  have  been  reduced  to  writing, 

ARTICLE  XIY. 
The  W.  Master  shall,  at  the  time  of  his  installation,  appoint  a  Standing 
Committee  of  three  members  of  the  Lodge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take 
cognizance  of  the  conduct  of  Brethren  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge, 


15 

reconcile  difficulties  that  may  arise  among  the  Brethren,  and,  when  proper, 
prefer  charges  and  specifications  for  the  action  of  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

When  the  Lodge  is  opened,  the  following  order  of  business  shall  be  ob 
served : — 

1.  Reading  of  the  minutes. 

2.  Reading  and  referring  petitions. 

3.  Receiving  reports  of  committees. 

4.  Balloting  for  candidates  for  initiation  or  admission. 

5.  Receiving  and  considering  resolutions. 

6.  Considering  unfinished  business. 

7.  Disposing  of  such  other  business  as  may  come  before  the  Lodge. 

8.  Conferring  degrees. 

Provided,  that  subjects  of  charity  shall  always  claim  precedence.  Which 
order  may  be  deviated  from,  a  majority  of  the  members  present  concurring. 

ARTICLE  XVL 
The  W.  Master  may  appoint  standing  or  special  committees  at  any  time, 
should  he  deem  the  interest  of  the  Lodge  to  require  it. 

ARTICLE  XVII. 

Any  Brother  becoming  a  member  of  this  Lodge,  shall  express  his  assent  to 
these  By-Laws,  by  subscribing  his  name  thereto. 

ARTICLE  XYIII. 

No  alteration  or  amendment  of  these  By-Laws  shall  be  made,  unless  the  same 
be  proposed  in  writing  at  a  regular  meeting,  when  it  shall  be  entered  upon 
the  minutes,  and  lie  over  until  the  next  regular  meeting,  when  it  shall  require 
the  sanction  of  three-fourths  of  the  members  present,  and  the  approval  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  its  adoption. 

FORM   FOR   PETITION. 

To  the  Master,  Wardens,  and  Brethren  of Lodge,  No. ,  of  Free 

and  Accepted  Masons. 

The  subscriber  residing  in ,  aged ,  by  occupation •,  begs 

leave  to  state  that,  unbiassed  by  the  improper  solicitations  of  friends,  and  un- 
influenced by  mercenary  motives,  he  freely  and  voluntarily  offers  himself  as  a 
candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry,  and  that  he  is  prompted  to  solicit  this 
privilege,  by  a  favorable  opinion  conceived  of  the  institution,  a  desire  of  know- 
ledge, and  a  sincere  wish  of  being  serviceable  to  his  fellow-men.  Should  his 
petition  be  granted,  he  will  cheerfully  conform  to  all  the  ancient  established 
usages  and  customs  of  the  fraternity. 

Dated  at ,  this day  of 185 

(Signed,) 


